Rani Mukerji receives honorary doctorate from La Trobe University

Actor Rani Mukerji has added another milestone to her illustrious career. The Bollywood star was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Australia’s La Trobe University at a special ceremony at Federation Square on Friday, held as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. Rani became visibly emotional and teary-eyed as she received the prestigious



honour, making the moment even more special.

The prestigious honour recognises Mukerji’s nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema, as well as her continued advocacy for women, children and marginalised communities.

One of the viral videos from the event showed Mukerji wiping her tears as she got emotional at the event.